We left off with Genesis 43 and discussing it? I found your last few "real" entries very enticing and informative! I don't spend enough time in my bible and with God each day and do thank you for your suggestions! I aspire to become closer with Him each and every day!

Yours Because His, Rebecca/Becci

Team Co-Leader: Can't Do This On My Own

"If you keep looking over your shoulder at your past-it WILL become your future". ~Dr. Phil

Still haven't accessed this audio-Bible myself, but wanted, finally to respond to KATIBUG49! My church, or several people in it, did the Daniel Plan as a group. I know that some found it easy to follow, others found it too expensive. We all know that it is expensive to eat healthily! I do hope that I am not the first to respond about this. I see that in this thread, no one else did, but I do hope you found information somewhere!!

Yours Because His, Rebecca/Becci

Team Co-Leader: Can't Do This On My Own

"If you keep looking over your shoulder at your past-it WILL become your future". ~Dr. Phil

It is so wonderful having such easy access to the audio bible here. This morning, as I do morning after morning I went to Bible Gateway as I always do, but it didn't come up as it usually does. It wasn't looking like I was going to get connected so I came to this discussion forum and was connected in no time at all. Thank you, Shelly, that you got this Bible study started when you did! I love it! Janis

Nothing Is Impossible with God. Each Day Is A New Beginning. When You Draw Close To God, God Will Draw Close To You.

Spark People Team Leader, GLITTERGIRL, from Team, "I Can't Do This On My Own", helped me reach my goal in 2012. I was able to maintain my weight for several months, but now I have to get serious again as much of my hard work I let go of, putting my focus on another issue. I will keep on, until I get back to my goal.

God be with you my friend I to am going trough a harder time put God is with me will make it The way God teaches us and helps us grow he gives us the understand for our next job he had to teach me potions and endurance and now whot hardship is .Take away our pink blinkers and see life for whot it is for many.

I am taking a leave of absence. I will be back sometime this summer. I will be praying for all of you and hope you have a great summer. I will start this thread back up upon returning as your team leader.

As we listened to Genesis chapters 42- 43 and read the posts below we are emerged in Joseph's emotional roller coaster when he encounters brief moments with his brothers after not seeing them for perhaps about twenty years or more.

Think back to a time when someone hurt you so badly you could not control your emotions. You were lost in confusion of emotions and the wound which you endured by the person was more than you could bare. At such times it is normal to want to strike out, to harm that person due to trying to release your pain and suffering. It is only through praying to God and relying on Him that a person can act as God would act in the same circumstance.

It IS possible to hate the sin yet love the person who has sinned. Jesus showed us this example countless times in the bile. We are to mold His character into our character throughout our own lives. God expects us to try our best to come as close to Jesus's character as we can.

Christians are to be examples of God. There are times when our actions and words can bring others closer to God through and by our example before them, and no other time is more important than when we are emotionally wounded, physically ill, and living through a harsh circumstance. We can show others through our words and actions that God has brought us through this hard circumstance and that we became a better person as the result of it. No one wants to be stressed, hurt, or to suffer. But it is in such times we can grow closer to God, and learn as a result of leaning and depending on Him how to become more like Him, and less like the world which we live in.

I have suffered through rejection from my father and was violated from a male friend, in both circumstances I was innocent. It was only through clinging to God that I was able to forgive without these people admitting any wrong going, or even saying that they were sorry. Immediately after each situation had accorded I placed God right in the middle of the circumstance and began to pray for them. I will humbly share with you that it was only through my intimate relationship with God that I was able to do this. During the circumstances mentioned above I can't begin to express with words to describe all of the pain, and emotional distress that I suffered. At times I did not even understand what I was feeling, or going through. It was the result of spending time in prayer, and asking for God's grace that I was able to come out on the other side a better person than before each circumstance.

Although horrible circumstances happen in our lives they don't have to destroy our life. Each circumstance is different, and each person has their own journey to live, but what I have learned in my own life is that through seeking God in many ways He can lead you to a path which you will become righteous and victorious through every circumstance in your life!

How is such a thing possible you may ask? It all starts with God. It starts with centering the circumstance with God in control, not your emotions, not your words or actions. This means asking God how you should act and react to the things which are happening around you. It begins with prayer and reliance on God. It involved questions, and waiting upon God. I am not about to tell you that there is a secret formula for a prefect outcome, nor step by step guidelines to follow which will result in your desired happy ending. However, I will share with you that your circumstance can make you not break you as you seek God through it. These words come from my own painful circumstances and my words result from being one with God during each of them.

There are things that I did and questions I asked and as a result I become victorious through God while living through unbearable circumstances! I centered myself in God through praying, worshiping, & talking to God. During the hardest times I asked God: what is your will? How do you want me to treat this person, what I am to do? God answers our questions if we wait for His answers. He speaks to us all differently, but many times He will talk to you and give you answers through the bible. For me It all came down to wanting to represent God in a favorable way. It also resulted from wanting to please God more than I wanted to fulfill my flesh and meet my own selfish needs. Now, I will be honest and tell you that I could not do this unless I was spending a lot of time with God. But through spending quality time with God He carried me through it even though sometimes I felt like I was crawling, and at times being dragged through mud! It was only through and by God's grace I was able to act and react out of love and care for the people who brought into my life misery and pain. Within each circumstance mentioned above both people were healed by God through many people praying for them.

If you find yourself within a circumstance which is causing you pain and misery I encourage you to seek God, and continue to do so until you find peace and healing. Perhaps there are things you can do and questions you can ask which you have not done nor asked before which will help you. Below are some things which I do whenever I find myself in a harsh circumstance.

HOW TO BECOME VICTORIOUS THROUGH YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE WITH GOD:

~ No matter how much time you are presently spending with God add additional time to the amount of time which you are currently spending with God. Increase the time you worship & pray, and read the bible as well. I encourage you to increase the amount of time you spend talking to God. Share with Him what happened to you. (He already knows, but He wants to hear you share it with Him) Tell God how you feel, what you need, and ask HIm what you should do. After each time you talk to God leave your emotions with hIm and allow Him to carry you.

~Ask God questions: 1. How can I grow closer to you during this circumstance? 2. A. What does the bible say about my circumstance? B. How can I learn from the bible and carry the truth from the bible into my own circumstance? 3. How can I become an example of you through this time? 4. What do you want me to do, how do you want me to act during this circumstance?

~ Things to ask God for: 1. God show me your ways, help me to act and talk as you would during this time. 2. God help me to heal and forgive (if this situation requires it) 3. God give me your grace, and peace. 4. Help me to spend more time with you and not allow other things to distract me from your presence and the time that I need to spend with you. 5. God help me to be more patient, allow me to wait upon you for the final outcome and not take things into my own hands.

As I mentioned above this is not a rule book which leads to your desired outcome. However, I wanted to share with you the things mentioned above because from the result of doing the things I mentioned above I have always come out of my circumstance better than I was prior to my circumstance. It involved time, and it results from leaning and relying not on your own understanding, your your own will, but through God, through and by God's will,grace, power and control.

Joseph's brothers came back a second time to buy some food because they had run out of food again. When Joseph saw them and realized that his brother Benjamin his own mother’s son, had come back with them he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.” Joseph was overjoyed to see his brother and wanted to make the meal special for him. When his brothers were brought before him and Joseph looked upon his brother Benjamin and said, "God be gracious to you, my son.” In this chapter we learn that Joseph was deeply moved at the sight of his brother, he hurried into his private room and wept there. After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.”

This encounter with his brothers reveals how emotionally disturbed Joseph was while he was with Benjamin in particular and rhe rest of his brothers. This was not a man who just was playing tricks with his brothers of getting even with them. Joseph was deeply moved and could not control himself emotionally due to his deep love for his family. When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s.

In the chapter it is not revealed why Joseph decided to prolong the identity of himself, but I believe that Joseph was obedient to God in every way and he was obeying God's instructions about how to handle this situation. What is clear to us is not only was Joseph deeply moved by the presence of his brothers, but that he wanted Benjamin to be aware that he favored him above the other brothers, and we are aware Joseph loved him dearly.

Only a person who has a close relationship with God learns not only how to forgive, but also learns how to continue to love the person who has deeply hurt them. As we spend time with God and while we study the bible we learn about His character through studying the bible. It is through yearning to be transformed into God's character that a person can receive the grace to love beyond emotional wounds which has taken place after one is deeply hurt and betrayed as Joseph was by his brothers.

There are many things I could share with you about my life regarding being deeply hurt by family and friends. No adult can say that they have never been hurt by someone. If you live long enough you get burned, people will stab you in the back, & betray you. At times it is more than we can take. I believe though that this pain which we all have endured at times can mold our character closer to God's forgiveness and love when we seek God's presence in our circumstance. We can learn the power of forgiveness, and love them through our hurt and pain when we act not by our own reactions, but through God's love, grace, & forgiveness.

Know who you are in God, you can't fight Spiritual battles with carnal weapons! You need the Sword of the Spirit (Bible) to win this war. God has given us a daily manual of instructions, let's embrace it. I challenge you to go back your first love Jesus Christ and become reacquainted with Him. Allow the truth to penetrate your Spirit and soul. Mediate on His word day and night, walk in obedience (to His will), pray, seek His face, and align yourself with strong Believers. God is faithful let Him give you a life brand new!

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

We are told to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Esphesian 6:10. We walk and war in HIS strength. this requires humility and total dependence upon God. We are not confident to our own strength. We cannot allow pride to open the door for destruction. The Lord is a man of war (Exodus 15:3) He will fight our battles. We depend upon His power and direction. We depend upon His Word and His Spirit. I cannot overemphasize the need for humanity. God give grace to the humble.... The Lord is the strength of my life. this gives me the ability to overcome all fear. I will put my trust in Him. This was the key to David's victories. David was a king who knew how to depend upon the Lord. David won many battles and overcome all of his enemies. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. A sword is used in war. The Holy Spirit opened our eyes to great truths and we are still learning!

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

Do you feel the joy of the Lord in your soul? Praise the Lord! Or do you feel blank inside or even worse, do you feel depressed? Praise the Lord anyhow! It is the sacrifice of praise to God continually. You are commanded to offer (Hebrews 13:15) "The sacrifice of praise" means praise the Lord anyhow, especially when you don;t feel like it!

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one anothe4r, and be clothed with humility for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:5-6) If we can live in this atmosphere of genuine humility and not get impatient, then in due time God will exalt us. The problem in the United States and in many Western nations is that our performance and pleasure driven culture producers some of the world's most impatient people. We have been carefully taught to expect instant gratification through decades of skilled advertising, marketing, and entertainment propaganda in the media. If you doubt my claim, then sit in front of your television with a stopwatch for just one evening. You will quickly notice that in almost every situation comedy or drama program, the central character can solve the problems of life in only 30 minutes or an hour! (And most of the problems arise because they can't get what they want, the way they want it, as fast as they want it) Much of the advertising that pours into our homes each day tells us and our children to "too our own horns" and brag about "Number one," I suppose the theory is that if you spout a lie long enough, people just might start to believe it. Well life doesn't work that way. God says if we remain humble, then He will exalt us.

From MAHESH CHAVDA

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

2 Cor. 2:14 Now thanks be unto God which always caused us to triumph in Christ, and maked the manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

In Genesis chapter 42 we learn that Jacob knowing that there was grain in Egypt told his sons to go there and buy some grain because there was a server famine in all the earth. Joseph had an abundant amount of love for his brothers and a strong commitment to obey God. This is shown throughout the complete story of Joseph. I will be discussing Joseph's love for his brothers and deep commitment to God through this section of my teaching.

Joseph had compassion & deep love for his brothers which is illustrated through these words, "He turned away from them and began to weep". Although it was hard for Joseph to carry out the things which he did to his brothers in Genesis chapters 42-45, his brothers would learn and experience the pain which their actions caused their brother Joseph and their father Jacob when they sold him to some Midianites a long time ago when Joseph was seventeen years old.

Throughout Joseph's life God spoke to him through his dreams. When his brothers arrived in Egypt & bowed down before him Joseph remembered his dream which is mentioned in Genesis chapter 37. He had told his brothers that he had a dream and that in his dream they had bowed down to him. After Joseph told his brothers his dream they hated Joseph all the more. Soon after hearing about the dream his brothers sold joseph to some Ishmaielites (Midianites are listed in the bible as well). That was then and this is now, and now some of his brothers stood before him during their time of need. Did Joseph despise his brothers? No! He wept for them.

Now, although it is not written in the bible I believe that Joseph reacted and treated his brothers based on how God had guided Joseph to treat his brothers. Although he had sent his brothers to jail for three days it is written that he wept before doing so. I do not think Joseph wanted to throw his brothers in jail, but because he loved and trusted God he did so knowing that God's will, punishment, and message would be done through him even if it was hard for him to do so for God.

As we continue to listen about how this all unfolds through our listen to the bible study remember that Joseph's brothers had sold him to become a slave when he was seventeen years old. Think about the power which Joseph had when his brothers came to him during their time of need and what he could have done to them. Also, keep in mind that Joseph was following the will of God and not seeking to punish or hurt his brothers.

Thank you both kathy (TASSIE123) and MZLADY77 for what you guys wrote both represented what I was teaching about, and I feel that God brought you to this thread to illustrate what He wanted to be added to this study.

Shelly, you know that meditation my sister gave to you, JESUS CALLING? It says often that we should praise and thank God thru the good and the bad. I really like that. And I like what you are saying. We need to be reminded. I think it was in today's meditation that we were told that when things aren't going our way or life seems difficult and troublesome, just whisper His name, "Jesus". There are so many ways to get closer to our Lord. Thank you, Shelly---for this wonderful Bible Study. God bless you, Kathy (Tassie123)

Praise bring the answer...Here are a few of the true experiences reported by Don Gossett:

A young lady snatched by two men-probably to be raped or murdered is abruptly released.

A church that has no converts for over a year suddenly sees eight people saved in one day.

A young woman tortured by thoughts of dying is miraculously set free.

An enlarged heart instantly healed.

A refrigerator filled with food, fish abundantly supplied.

Cars and refrigerators repaired without human help, (that happen to me with a stove door would not close about 2 weeks and God decided to step in and close the stove for me) God is awesome! I get so excited about other people testimonials. God can do it for you and other spark people who are reading this!

The terminally injured healed, and divine joy supplied in a situation of extreme sorrow. ALL BROUGHT ABOUT BY PRAISE.

Such experiences can be the everyday occurrences of praises. Discover what God's word says about praise and what it can do for you in your situation.

Intercessory and Warfare prayers are part of my Ministry about 9 years. God miraculous has answer prayers. I know I served a Living God that want to do mighty things in our lives. Fasting often. Like to read Bible, read other inspiration books, coupon clippers.Always looking for a sale that combine with coupsons and LIKE TO WORKOUT!

Within the link above explains 6 ways to praise God during hard times. These ways includes: Remembering Christ, Prayer, Through Song, Time in the word, Fasting, & Forgiveness .

The author of this article, Derek, wrote,"More and more it seems that suffering and hurt are prevalent everywhere we look.... Remembrance of Christ and His death at Golgotha needs to be the center piece through which we praise God in the hard times. Every time we connect with God in prayer, we are praising Him because we are acknowledging our need to set our burdens on His strong shoulders. When you read Psalms, you can find so many verses about God’s children singing praise even in the midst of hard times. Anything that we do as Christians that focuses our time on God brings Him glory and praise. When we look to His word for healing and guidance, we again are telling God that we need Him and we praise Him for His sovereign nature in all circumstances. Fasting is an outlet that provides a spiritual and physical reliance on God. "

How much do you praise God on any given day? How do you think your life would change if you made it your goal to praise God in a sincere way each day? Joseph was found giving God glory and credit after serving many years in prison when he was falsely accused of sleeping with the kings wife. Think how many times Joseph could have spoken badly about his bum deal he got while spending each day in prison. Instead to turning away from God during his sentence in prison we find Joseph giving God credit for interpreting a dream that the king had. Genesis 41:14-16 Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon... then he came into Pharaoh’s presence. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; and I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream and interpret it. Joseph answered Pharaoh, It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh answer of peace.

You see I believe that one of the reasons we are born is to praise God and thank Him. In the King James version of the bible the word thanks appears 73 times. Here are just a few: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 2 Sam 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. 1 Chr 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endure for ever. Through praising God by saying this sentence (1 Chr 16:34) a great battle was won by the Israelite! Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Joseph gave the credit to God before interpreting the dream for the king. Now remember that Joseph had spent many years in prisonl, this was his big chance to impress the King, and perhaps be released from prison. You know the devil had to be there tempting Joseph to take the credit of being able to interpret his dream. Yet, instead Joseph praised God. We can not understand nor imagine to the full extent which God receives when we praise His name. I know that it brings me great pleasure to praise God's name, how much more is it for God while he is on the receiving end of our praise?

God's Blessing Through Praise

As I mentioned above Joseph gave God credit for interpreting the king's dream. As the result of doing so god blessed Joseph most abundantly. In Genesis 41:38-45 And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find this man’s equal, a man in whom is the spirit of God? And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch as [your] God has shown you all this, there is nobody as intelligent and discreet and understanding and wise as you are. You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word [with reverence, submission, and obedience]. Only in matters of the throne will I be greater than you are. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his [signet] ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in [official] vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck; He made him to ride in the second chariot which he had, and [officials] cried before him, Bow the knee! And he set him over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph made an [inspection] tour of all the land of Egypt.

I encourage you to praise God not only while you are getting what you want or when you are happy, but praise and give thanks to God during illness, or hard times. God will smile upon you and although the circumstance may be full of sorrow, give God praise any how.

After two full years, Pharaoh dreamed that he stood by the river. And behold, there came up out of the river [Nile] seven well-favored cows, sleek and handsome and fat; and they grazed in the reed grass. And behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river [Nile], ill favored and gaunt and ugly, and stood by the fat cows on the bank of the river. And the ill-favored, gaunt, and ugly cows ate up the seven well-favored and fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke. But he slept and dreamed the second time; and behold, seven ears of grain came out on one stalk, plump and good. And behold, after them seven ears [of grain] sprouted, thin and blighted by the east wind. And the seven thin ears [of grain] devoured the seven plump and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. So when morning came his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians and all the wise men of Egypt. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but not one could interpret them to [him]. Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker. We dreamed a dream in the same night, he and I; we dreamed each of us according to [the significance of] the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard and chief executioner; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted them to us, to each man according to the significance of his dream. And as he interpreted to us, so it came to pass; I was restored to my office [as chief butler], and the baker was hanged. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon.

Genesis 41

I believe there are many task's of the holy Spirit, one of which through His Holy Spirit God puts His words in our mouths. such I believe happened in Genesis chapter 41:9-14,"Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker. We dreamed a dream in the same night, he and I; we dreamed each of us according to [the significance of] the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard and chief executioner; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted them to us, to each man according to the significance of his dream. And as he interpreted to us, so it came to pass; I was restored to my office [as chief butler], and the baker was hanged.

Why did the butler forget what Joseph had revealed to him regarding his dream? We learned in Genesis chapter 40 that only three days passed when the dream came true after Joseph interpreted the dream. How could the man forgotten? Perhaps the man was so selfish he forgot to reward Joseph. I believe that it was not God's timing to release Joseph. A lot can be learned as we wait upon God. While we wait for God to provide for us the things we need if we fail to become weak we then become strong in God!

"But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

While Joseph was in jail two people who had served the king was in the same prison where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. One day while these two people were in jail they were sad because of a dream which they had and there was no one to interpret the meaning of their dreams. Joseph said,"“Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

Now there came a time when the men were left out of prison, and the interpretation of the man's dream was correct , but although Joseph told the man, "Remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." The man forgot to say any thing about Joseph.

Now, I want to point out that although people fail help people that they should help God never forgets to help them. God blesses us in our lives, and helps us in any ways through people. He takes great pleasure in making us happy and rewarding us. John 10:10 Jesus says," The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance."

What a person can not do for you God will make such things happen at an appointed time through His holy Spirit. God will show you favor even if He has to do it himself. Although Joseph waited two years, we see in chapter 41 that Joseph did receive a blessing from God and was let out of prison was rewarded in a great way.

"But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

While Joseph was in jail two people who had served the king was in the same prison where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. One day while these two people were in jail they were sad because of a dream which they hadand there was no one to interpret the meaning of their dreams,. Joseph said,"“Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

Now there came a time when the men were left out of prison, and although the interpretion was correct when Joseph told the man, "Remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." The man forgot to saya thing about Joseph.

Now, I want to point out that although people fail to do thing things which are right for someone God never forgets to do the right things for you. God blesses us in our lives. He takes grwat pleasure in making us happy and rewarding us.

The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

We listened to the story of Joseph and about his life and we have learned how God had had taken good care of him although his life in many ways surely was not desirable. But in each circumstance, in each heart ache there God was protecting Him and making the situations which he was in pleasing in such a way that it allowed Joseph to bear the pain, the sorrow, and at times even misery. In the same way if we keep God close to our hearts, if we abide in God and depend on Him with all of our needs we feel God's blessing even during the worst days of our circumstances.

In Genesis 39:23-24 we read,"The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper." God shows us favor as we seek Him and are obedient to Him with all that He gives us. No matter what happened to Joseph God was with Him and made good out of everything bad which he endured.

If you want to experience your circumstances in such a wqy which Joseph did I encourage you to seek God in your daily life. Make God first in all that you do. While you are experiencing circumstances ask God how you can glorify Him through your hardship. Ask God what He wants you to learn while you rely on HIm during the painful times in your life. Find places in the bible which give you knowledge about your circumstances and then live your life accordingly while you wait for God to lead you through your trail or tribulation.

If you keep God in your life in such a way which I described above although you will still experience hardships God will give you an abundant amount of grace and peace which will help you to endure it. He will show you favor at times. Don't be fooled into thinking, well God did this for Joseph but He would never do such things for me. The bible was written a long time ago, but the God we know and serve has not changed. What He has done for one He will do for another.

Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him; he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge; and, with him there, he had no concern for anything but the food that he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome and good-looking. And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, with me here, my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not consent to lie beside her or to be with her. One day, however, when he went into the house to do his work, and while no one else was in the house, she caught hold of his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, she called out to the members of her household and said to them, “See, my husband has brought among us a Hebrew to insult us! He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice; and when he heard me raise my voice and cry out, he left his garment beside me, and fled outside.” Then she kept his garment by her until his master came home, and she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to insult me; but as soon as I raised my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me, and fled outside.”

When his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, saying, “This is the way your servant treated me,” he became enraged. And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; he remained there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love; he gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

Genesis 37:26-17 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

Genesis 38:1,8-10 At that time, Judah left his brothers and went down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hirah.... Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death.

Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death also.

A Closer Look

We learn in Genesis 37 that after Judah & the other brothers had planned to kill their brother Joseph who they hated because their father favored Joseph over them. However, Judah said,"What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. Then in Genesis chapter 38 although he said not to kill his brother God killed his own two sons.

Do you suppose that God felt it was worse to change their plans not to kill their brother but instead sell him because they had little to gain by just killing him? Do you think that God saw and felt the evil in their words as they sought to receive cash from getting rid of their brother? I mean even though he said, "... After all he is our brother,our own flesh and blood.” I believe even though the words may have a shadow of a tint of hollowed love they were seeking the most which they could receive from their selfish wicked plan. Do you think God's plan was to repay him with worse suffering than his father felt since Judah had two sons die instead of the pain Israel felt when he thought Joseph died?

Sin is din no matter how we dress it up God always knows our hearts. We can make excuses, play stupid to those that we know but we can never fool God. As the saying goes what goes around comes around goes around and it has been going around since the time of the bible as we see. If you have sin in your life repent and seek God's forgiveness. Don't try to talk your way out of it, there is no such thing when it comes to God.

All of you who took the time to listen to Corrie Ten Boom I know that you have been blessed. I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to her Youtube post. I had prayed and asked God to show me something that I could give to my team members about forgiveness that they could really learn in a powerful spiritual way. And God answered my prayer I know it!!! For I felt his spirit within me as I listened from the first sentence which she spoke. I thank and praise God how He is working through this thread! Yes, thank you Jesus.

If you have not taken the time to listen to this beautiful lady's words I urge you to do so. I myself have no one to forgive yet, I have been deeply deeply blessed by listening to her words which came from God's mouth! Thank you Jesus for touching this woman's heart, and giving her your discernment and wisdom to bless this world which we live in.

"Some people are afraid to look at the cross, are you? Don't be afraid. The cross is terrible! It is terrible how Jesus suffered. Not to describe, but you must not be afraid to look at it. For if you had been the only one who had been the only person in the world Jesus would had suffered for your sins."

It is not uncommon for Christians to have questions about forgiveness. Forgiveness does not come easy for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we've been injured. We don't naturally overflow with mercy, grace and forgiveness when we've been wronged.

Is forgiveness a conscious choice, a physical act involving the will, or is it a feeling, an emotional state of being? The Bible offers insight and answers to these and many more questions about forgiveness. We'll take a look at the most frequently asked questions and find out what the Bible says about forgiveness.

Is forgiveness a conscious choice, or an emotional state?

I believe forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive. The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us:

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

How do we forgive when we don't feel like it? How do we translate the decision to forgive into a change of heart?

We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete. I believe God honors our commitment to obey Him and our desire to please him when we choose to forgive. He completes the work in his time. We must continue to forgive (our job), by faith, until the work of forgiveness (the Lord's job), is done in our hearts.

Philippians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

How will we know if we have truly forgiven?

Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself."

We will know the work of forgiveness is complete when we experience the freedom that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us. Most times, however, forgiveness is a slow process.

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV) This answer by Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not easy for us. It's not a one-time choice and then we automatically live in a state of forgiveness. Forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving, but it is important to the Lord. We must continue forgiving until the matter is settled in our heart.

What if the person we need to forgive is not a believer?

I have found that prayer is one of the best ways to break down the wall of unforgiveness in my heart. When I begin to pray for the person who has wronged me, God gives me new eyes to see and a new heart to care for that person. As I pray, I start to see that person as God sees them, and I realize that he or she is precious to the Lord. I also see myself in a new light, just as guilty of sin and failure as the other person. I too am in need of forgiveness. If God did not withhold his forgiveness from me, why should I withhold my forgiveness from another?

Is it okay to feel anger and want justice for the person we need to forgive?

This question presents another reason to pray for the person we need to forgive. We can pray for God to deal with the injustices, for God to judge the person's life, and then we can leave that prayer at the altar. We no longer have to carry the anger. Although it is normal for us to feel anger toward sin and injustice, it is not our job to judge the other person in their sin.

Luke 6:37

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Why must we forgive?

The best reason to forgive is because Jesus commanded us to forgive. We learn from Scripture, if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven:

Matthew 6:14-16

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) We also forgive so that our prayers will not be hindered:

Mark 11:25

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV) In summary and in closing, we forgive out of obedience to the Lord. It is a choice, a decision we make. However, as we do this "forgiving," we discover the command is in place for our own good, and we receive the reward of our forgiveness—freedom.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.... So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.

Dear God there have been times when my siblings have hurt me so much,it has brought intense pain ti my heart sometimes. But God your word says to forgive how many times? Your word says seventy times seven. Help us not to count the times our friends and family hurt us rather let us remember the many times which you have forgiven us... countless times and each time with precious love and care. Loud I ask you to teach us to love as you love, and forgive as you forgave us. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Thank you God for helping me with this thread. God it is you that guides my words and helps me bring present day meaning from your word. I give you honor and praise dear Lord as I follow you through your written words. Please continue to help me as I bring meaning and added vision to your precious words. I ask you to continue to bring people to this thread. As you speak to their hearts through my words may their lives be blessed by your meaning. In Jesus name I pray amen.

In verse 16 of chapter 35 we learn that Rachel began to give birth while she and her family were traveling,"Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t despair, for you have another son.” As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.

It is comforting that Rachel's midwife said,"Don’t despair, for you have another son." yet Rachel still died. Many times doctors tell us when a loved one is suppose to die, yet we know only God really knows when that person will die. People look toward doctors to tell them how much time a person has to live when they are diagnosed with cancer or some other lethal disease. I always think it is odd. Do people REALLY believe the doctor when they tell them how much life a person has left? Oddly enough I believe most people do. It is important to place all things in God's hands even the birth of a child and the death of a loved one. Only God controls such things even when it comes to suicide.

If you are dealing with not being able to have a child or suffering due to an illness of a oved one who will be dieing I urge you to pray to God who controls both life and death. Seek comfort and His will during such times and God will restore and comfort you.

Several posts ago when I was writing out the chapter Genesis 27 i wrote about the year when Jacob deceived his father Isaac by pretending to be his brother Esau so that he could receive his father's blessing in the presence of the Lord before his father died. As the result of this deception their troubled and strained relationship took a sharp turn for the worse. When Esau learned that Jacob tricked his father and him Esau burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father! Esau said, Isn’t he rightly named Jacob[a]? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me? Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?” Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. After Esau received his blessing from his father he said, “Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Have you ever been so deeply hurt and angry at your sibling or a person that you really wanted to kill them? Well, our God is a redeeming loving God. He heals the winds of our broken heart and mends love back together where sometimes it was never there in the first place. Jacob and Esau never seemed to get along. I don't believe no love was lost between them after this happened. I mean in Genesis chapter 25 we read, in chapter 29,"Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. The next time these two brothers were mentioned in the bible is when the deception was written about.

Now as I said, God is a redeeming God. God heals all of our wounds on our body and within our heart. Although in Jacob’s blessing from his father he was told among other things that he was Lord over his brother when Jacob saw his brother after numerous years Jacob did not ask as though he was a Lord over his brother at all. Instead this is what Jacob said and did toward his brother in Genesis chapter33,"Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men...He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Noticed that Jacob said, "Your servant" He no longer had any negative feelings toward his brother, it was all love! Above and beyond this love Jacob wanted to earnest give to his brother, and find favor in his brother's eyes. He gave his brother flocks and herds. Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.

A couple of years ago i had some problems with the woman my father married. It was the second time my father married after my mom and dad devoiced when I was nine years old. Although I accepted his new wife it was not long before his wife Joann seemed to despise me. He told me, “Your dad loves you so much it scares me." As the years followed she did everything she could to separate us, and I DO mean everything. Many stories could be told about this. After years of constantly forgiving Joann she finally seemed to win, and a year and two months passed when my dad was mean and bitter toward me to the point that he would not speak to me for months. It is a long story, but although I apologized (for doing nothing, yet still told Joann to tell him I was sorry many times) he just would not come to the phone. After a year and two months God softened my dad's heart, and revealed to him the truth behind the lies and deception. My dad wanted me to come and stay with him for a week. I knew although I had again forgiven Joann that being in their house would be no easy task. As the days grew closer to that week I was to be at my dad's house I prayed several times to God asking Him to heal mine and Joann's broken relationship. It is nothing short of a miracle because the love which was brought to Joann's heart is unexplainable. What God did between us is the love of God. I tell you the truth Joann now treats me like the daughter she never had!!! This friend is the way God works, and the kind of things only God can do. Through the years I learned how to like her, and I grow to love her as God loves His enemies. I learned how to forgive without any sight of regret. I sought God for comfort as the blows continued from Joann. And through my persistent prayers God gave me love from Joann, and He rebuilds our relationship!

If you find yourself in broken relationship of any kind know and understand that no matter how many years have passed God can heal it, and make it into something unimaginable! No matter how bad it is God can make it better.

Dear God heal and rebuild the many broken and wounded relationships. Bring a new beginning and a new form of love to the unlovable and broken hearted. The sickness of evil which drives a wedge between the love which you have formed in all of us Lord, turn hate into love, evil words into comfort, and mend the heart of all those who are lost within deceit, pain, and sickness as the result of their broken relationships. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Thank Sunnyaz, I love listening to the bible. I am glad you found on that you like. One of the cool things from Biblegatewaycom is that you can change rthe readers. It adds to it, never fets noring from the same person. I like the dramatizated version too. It is almost like you are listening to a play or something.

God this is your team. This is your study as I rely on you to help me. I praise you for helping me to write this thread. God I ask you to help us to grow closer to your more and more as each year passes. Teach us the hard lessons in life even if we have to suffer to learn them. Dear God as we seek you and abide in you we will be protected while we are within such storms. Help us to spend the necessary time with you that thr0ough each trail, and tribulation we will be victorious through it with you. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Have you ever noticed when there was no one to defend and protect you there behind the scenes it was God who defended and protected you through circumstances or people? This is how God works, and those are the things which God does for all of us. Although those who He finds favor with, those who follow His will and obey HIm, well how can Iu describe such a thing? Those who obey Him and do His will He finds favor with. He is ever present in their lives and is ever protecting and defending them:

~ 2Samuel 22:3-4 My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

~ Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Take note that the following verse says- He who DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH (think about what those words mean).

~ Psalm 91:1-3 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

~ Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

~ Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

Jacob listened to God in his life and I believe because of this Jacob found favor in God's eyes above and beypnd what was promised to him through his father's Isaac's blessing.

Jacob and his family had stayed where they were living for many many years. One day God told him to leave. Perhaps he loved his home & area around him. Maybe he was not well, or His loved ones had just gotten over being sick. However, in this chapter in verse three when God said,"Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you." although the trip would take several months or longer Jacob listened to God he did not think it over in his head, instead he took action and left immediately. You see, Jacob most likely remembered what God had said to him back in Genesis chapter 28 when he left his father Isaac to go to Padan-aram to take from there a wife. On his way to toward Haran Joacob rested and had that dream. Within Jacob's dream God promised him many things and told him that He would bring Jacob back to the place where he had the dream. Now, although this is not the main purpose of this post, I felt it was important to bring to your attention, once again Jacob was obedient to God. I think many times when we read these stories in the bible we can't understand how or why these people were abundantly blessed. I think at times we can't help but wonder if such things STILL happen today. Well, I will be honest and tell you that I know a few people who are as obedient to God in their lives as some of these people that we read about in the bible. I want you to know God blesses their lives in ways that just does not make sense to the earthly mind. But the fact of the manner is God has changed their lives and blessed thwm soooooo abundantly because they abide in HIm. These people year after year are obedient to God even when it hurts, ever during times when it is not comofrtable to do so, and even during times of scarfice. Friends, if you want to get in on a piece of this type of blessing and favor from God you need to step up on your game! I will tell you that living within God's will completes your life in ways that only God can complete your life. When you turn your life over to God in such a way His blessings will be lived out through you!

Ok, I am sorry, I will continue with my message. I just felt a strong urge to write that as part of this post.

So, I was saying that Jacob listened to God in his life and I believe because of this Jacob found favor in God's eyes. In this chapter Jacob says to his wifes Rachel and Leah,"I see how your father looks at me, that he is not [friendly] toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. You know that I have served your father with all my might and power..". Now pay attention because Jacob is about to describe how God gave him favor over his father in law although his father in law tried to deceive and cheat him, as Jacob explains,"But your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. If he said, The speckled shall be your wages, then all the flock bore speckled; and if he said, The streaked shall be your hire, then all the flock bore streaked. Thus God has taken away the flocks of your father and given them to me. And I had a dream at the time the flock conceived. I looked up and saw that the rams which mated with the she-goats were streaked, speckled, and spotted. And the Angel of God said to me in the dream, Jacob. And I said, Here am I. And He said, Look up and see, all the rams which mate with the flock are streaked, speckled, and mottled; for I have seen all that Laban does to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you vowed a vow to Me. Now arise, get out from this land and return to your native land."

You see God was protecting Jacob no matter what his father in law tried to do against him.

Let me be clear with you, the bible for sure is old, but God's ways NEVER change. Our God, He is an ever present & is ever alive God! The God you read and leran about in the bible IS the God who is alive and well today in our lives! What He does for them He does and will continue to do for us!!!

Are you being tormented by someone? Are yoy living under circumstances more than you can bear? Have you thought to yourself, well in the bibe it says Gos never gives you more than you can bear and you are hanging on just by a little tiny thin thread? God is in your life and He WILL protect you and defend you. Put your trust in the Lord, and you will know that because of your love for God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 says! Dwell in God by making the choice to read the bible as part of your lifestyle and do not stray from abiding in God. Then as you dwell in the shelter of the Most High you will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. When you say to the LORD, YOU are My REFUGE and my FORTRESS, my God, in whom I TRUST, & when you REALLY mean those words and know what they mean because you have put them in practice your God willl deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence, as Psalm 91:1-3 states. When you share your life with God putting hIm in your thioughts during the good times and through the hard times, when you seek God's help and expect His help and wait on hIm you will learn as God helps you, He will become your refuge and strength. When the storms come rolling into your life you will not stumble in fear nor stress because you will say."God is MY refuge and strength, and is very present in hlping me while I am in trouble,as we learned in is Psalm 46:1. I tell you verses in the bible were written not to be just read but to BE USED! So as you live your life look up some verses which pertain to your life, & pray through them, and say them out loud. Write them down and spend time thinking about them. You will begin to live a victorious life through God by doing so! And if you do the things I mentioned above as you walk in the midst of trouble you will see and learn how God preserves your life. God will show you how He stretches out His hand against the wrath of you enemies, and His right hand will deliver you!!!

Laban was Jacob's father in law. He told Jacob in Verse 27,"“If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” So God told Laban that god had blessed him not because any thing HE had actually done, but actually because of Jacob god had blessed him.

I do not think that we think too much about the fact that people are sometimes blessed through us and because of Us. We are here to serve and glorify God but the simple truth is that God does bless others through us. I bring this to your attention through this chapter in the bible because as God's children we are to thank God for hIs blessings, and as he takes care of our loved ones. It is important never to take forgranted our God who blesses all of those who we care for and love.

God I do not think I could ever thank you enough for all of the things which you do for me and the people in my life. Help me to never take you forgranted of the things which you have done for me. Let me be ever mindful of your presence within my life always and help me to always serve you with a cheerful heart. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Dear God there are so many people who need your help but who have not asked for what they need from you. God I understand that until a person asks for your help that they will never know just how much you can and will help them. God I am asking you to help those who have trouble in this area. I ask you Lord to bring them to this post which I wrote below and speak to their hearts through me. Not to bring attention to me Lord, but to glorify you my God. I know and believe you will do this God and I thank you in advance. If you need God's help yet are unable to or have failed in the past to seek His help I ask you to say this prayer with me. God I need you know. Enter into my life in a powerful way and make your presence known to me. God I want you to help me and I am willing to wait for you if necessary. Please give me your grace and strength as I wait upon you. In Jesus name I pray amen.

There are times in our lives when we can not bare what our circumstances are. At times I know in my life I have had to deal with some things for a long time. During those times I cried out to God asking Him for some help, healing, and mercy. Many times His help did not come as quickly as I would had liked, but in the end God's help was always there.

In Genesis 29 we find out that because Laban deceived Jacob he had to work an additional seven years (14 total) to have Rachel for a wife through Leban's deception. As a result Jacob had married both sisters within two weeks. Any way, since Jacob really only wanted Rachel, ( I mean the man asked to work seven years in return to marry this woman, this love had to be pretty deep for today's standards) it became very apparent to Lean (Rachel's sister) that Jacob loved her sister much more than her. Jacob probably didn't love her at all in fact. Through Lean's pain she cried out to God. In this chapter in the verses 31-33 it states that God was well aware of Leah's situation and pain: "When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless...It is because the Lord has seen my misery.... Because the Lord heard that I am not loved..." Lean cried out to God for several years and while he was giving Lean babies he left Rachel's womb barren this whole time for several years. Rachel's sister had 4 babies while Rachel conceived no children during this time period.

I believe that one of the important things to remember about this chapter is that God continued to help Leah during her pain of having to deal with being unloved. As she cried out to god He helped her. Are you in a circumstance where you need god's help? I encourage you to cry out to God. Ask Him for His mercy support, and help. Wait for God's perfect timing, and believe no matter what other people say, no matter what your mind tells you, and no matter what it looks like, that God IS and WILL help you.

Sometimes when we pray for something or someone has prayed for us we can feel God's hand in it. We know in our spirits that God is helping us do what we need help with. Well, in the last chapter (Genesis28) God told jacob some pretty cool and amazing things, "“I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Now in this chapter Jacob has gone to the land which his Father had asked him to go to to find a woman to marry. When he arrived I believe Jacob fell in love with Rachel. You know in our life when we obey God He gives us things because we have been so obedient to hIm. Other times He gives us things for other reasons. Jacob not only listened to God but he listened to his father as well.

After Jacob finds the love of his life, Rachel, he agrees to work his wages in order to marry her. In Genesis 29:18 Jacob said,"I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

Now in Jacob's dream God told him many things, one of the things god said to him was,"... I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go... I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Sometimes we think that if God has an awesome plan for us that everything should be easy and smooth sailing, but let's face it this is LIFE. Just because we obey God, just because He has blessed,answwered a prayer or healed us that does mean a person's life will be perfect nor easy. There are things which God has done for me through His healing touch, but that did not mean during that very same time it was completely easy. However, when God is in your life, and is helping you and is beside you God gives you His grace and strength to get through ti and go through it. This is what happened to Jacob.

Jacob worked SEVEN years to marry Rachel, and in those days sex came AFTER marriage. can you imagine waiting seven years... well, I CAN'T! but it says concerning Jacob waiting in vervese 2o,"...but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." Now, I believe the time flew through God's grace which He had given Jacob. Remember God told him,"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go....I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When God is with you He helps you tolerate those not so pleasant times when you just want to give up. He is there for you when you feel like you can not bear another second of the pain. He is there for you always and never leaves you.

God is there for you and through everything that you go through in life. We should always ask for Gd's help, and believe that He will help you & that He will be there for you: it is THAT easy, and it IS that true. God is there telling you after you have prayed for help, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

you've only got (3) choices in life: give up; give in; or give it all you've got. PINKSPARKLE1965 IS BLESSED THIS NEW SUNRISE AND SUNSET ON EVERY GIVEN DAY & Hey you, yeah you, the one who is reading this. You're awesome, and never change that. (: Simone Reneehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA4ht8xTTuw“There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroad, afraid, confused, without a roadmap.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z82uJ_4qx6k

In Genesis 28 I find it interesting that Jacob has this awesome dream and that God talks to him saying," I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” It is beyond my understanding that Jacob could experience such a dream, and have God say remarkable things to him and proclaim such promises to him, and yet Jacob says in verses 20 & 21,“If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” Excuse me but how in the world could he say IF God is with ME and watch over me THEN the Lord will be my God and that THEN all that hE gives to me I will give a tenth. I mean hey, he knew it was GOD who had spoken to him in a dream, what was the problem with Jacob declaring his love and gratitude BEFORE God watched over him on his journey & giving him food to eat and clothes to wear?

However, we do the same things don't we, or haven't we in the past? We play a game with God sometimes don't we? Have you ever said, "God if you give me this, I will do that?" Or I have know people who have asked God to show them that he will really do this that or the other. Why can't we just pray and believe that God will answer us, thank Him and then just tell others that God has heard our prayer and will answer it. Better yet, why not share with everyone that God has already given to you your answered prayer if we believe such is true?

It is called walking in your faith. It is done through thanksgiving toward God. What I am talking about CAN be done, such behavior can be accomplished. I am lucky to know two people in my life who does this in their lives, and continue to do it. I very humbly add that I myself have done such things and i will always walk in Christ this way. I will share with you that having such a relationship with God and sharing it with others has brought deep pleasure within my life and my relationship with God.

It is easy to listen to this chapter about Jacob and his dream and shake your head and wonder why. It is harder to look at your own life and tell the truth about what you think about God, and whether you believe or not that God is really helping you in your life.

I will be honest and tell you that while I was in my twenties (I am 44 years old now) there were days that I sometimes wondered were God was. He felt so absent and far away from me. But i will also tell you that it was I WHO WAS absent from God and far away from HIM. The closer my walk became with God the nearer He felt from me. The more time I spent with God the less distant he felt, He was with me always right next to me holding my hand as I spent more and more time with Him. Now looking back I can not imagine such a distant life and relationship with God.

I do not put too much confidence in my own abilities to maintain to close intimate relationship with God. I pray throughout the year that God will keep His words in the bible always dear and meaningful to my heart and mind. I do things to make sure that I am always growing closer and closer to God, and I ask God for His help regarding this. Not because it is a chore to do things to keep myself close to God, rather, I know the devil works night and day to find ways to keep me too busy, too preoccupied, or to try to work some kind of numbness within me towards God. I will tell you the truth it is God who helps me to abide in Him, but it DOES take an effort on my part too. Never think you are too good, too holy, or too disciplined to slowly fall behind or lose touch with God: If think you are too good, too holy, or too disciplined to slowly fall behind or lose touch with God you just may find out how wrong you are!

Dear God I thank you for helping me in all of the ways which you do. I thank you for helping me to write this study. Humble me my Lord in any way which you feel fit. Always work within me to seek your kingdom and your righteousness!

Suggested Prayer

Dear Jesus at times we may feel that we need a sign, or feel we need to test you. However , it says in the bible that we should not do such a thing. God your word alone IS all that we need. Increase our faith through you. Keep your words within our hearts so that when we are stressed all we need to do is remember you and your Holy Spirit will whisper into our hearts. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Dear Jesus help us not be be greedy and selfish to you and to others. God when you give to us let us always be quick to say thank you, and honor and serve you. Help us to remember to bring glory to you whether we receive or do not receive from you. In Jesus name I pray amen.

In Genesis 28 we learn that Jacob went to Paddan Aram and obeyed his father's wishes for him to mary a woman among daughters of Laban. After Jacob reached his destination he later laid down to rest. In his sleep he had a magnificent dream. In Genesis 28:12 it illustrates,"He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord." I believe that this image which was in Jacob's dream represented the Kingdom Of Heaven, and how the Kingdom Of Heaven is worked out by God's people, that is you and I. Not only did Jacob receive a vision from God in his dream but he also heard God's words. God sealed, gave, & delivered Jacob's blessing through his Fathers blessing to his son through God's covenant with Abraham. God's promise was written in Genesis 12:2-3," I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." In Genesis 27:28-29 we remember Jacobs blessing to his son;" May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you,be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.” For a closer look at this the correlation click the link below: www.bible.ca/ef/expository-genesis-12-1-3.htm

Now these are the words which Jacob heard in his dream:" above stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

When Jacob awoke from his dream when he remembered his dream he said that is truly a place if the house of God & a gate to heaven! Then the next morning he took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.

After Jacob finished he then made a vow to God & he made a vow to God saying in verses 20 & 21, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

I find it odd that Jacob after receiving such an abundant blessing from his father, and having a remarkable unbelievable dream given to him from God, and then to have more blessings and promises given to him that Jacob then asks for yet even MORE! Jacob added these things, food to eat and clothes to wear, wasn't what God already told Jacob & given to him enough?

Be sure not to be like Jacob. Be entirely grateful whenever God's gives to you, and whatever God gives to you. Try your best not to be like so many others asking for yet more of what God's desires to give you. God wants us to ask Him for things, but there is a balance of things we should ask Him for at times, don't ya think?

Dear God help those who have endured pain from being the less loved child within their family. Dear God in your way heal this family, repair the sorrow, and redeem and mend lost love and friendship. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Please take the necessary time to read Genesis chapter 27(below) because have written about the whole chapter not just a few verses.

Genesis 27

A Closer Look

Do you have children? In your heart while no one was looking have you ever favored one child over another child? Do I dare to ask, have you ever loved one of your children more than another child? Let me ask you this, have you been the favored child yourself, or have you suffered from the result of being less cared for and loved? Genesis 27 deals with the reality of the pain which is endured by a family who not only chose to favor a child, but much more than that they made the choice to LOVE one child instead of the other. Each parent chose one son more than the other one. We learned as we read this chapter of the consequences, the pain, and and hayred as wellas the results it produces if a parent makes the choice to love one child more than the other child.

We learned in Genesis 25 that Isaac became a father to twins, and that Isaac favored and loved Esau, and Rachel his wife favored and loved the other twin Jacob. In Genesis 25:27-28 it states, The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

While I was listening to Genesis 27 I thought it was odd that God would allow this deception beyond Isaac's knowledge. I believe that it is possible that God allowed Iaaasc to be brayed by his own son in such a way so that he could see and feel the pain which his less favored and love son felt all of his life while his father treated Esua better. Genesis 25 illustrates very well to us the pain and suffering Jacob displayed when he realized of this betrail which left him without a blessing from his father before Isaac,"

When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father!.. Then Esau wept aloud. "

God has a redeeming Spirit. He redeems us of so many things, and pours love into empty hearts as well. I believe there was no lost love between these two brothers yet although it took a while in the in the later chapters in Genesis God did pour love into this relationship.

Do you have a situation within your own family which is hard to bear caused by the lost love of a parent sue to being less favored? Are you a parent who loves one child over the other one. As sad as this situation us it does exist. However with God ALL things are possible and God can correct this within your family. Pray to God. Believe this situation can and will be corrected within God's perfect timing. Dig in deep with God, pray more, read the bible more, and talk to God more during this time. Seek God and his ways and expect the goodness of to create a rainbow from a storm with your family!

When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” Here I am,” he answered. Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death. Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.

Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: 9 Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.”

Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin. What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.” His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”

So he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and she prepared some tasty food, just the way his father liked it. Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins. Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty food and the bread she had made. He went to his father and said, “My father.” Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” Isaac asked his son, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” The Lord your God gave me success,” he replied. Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not.” Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him. “Are you really my son Esau?” he asked. I am,” he replied. Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank.

Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.”

After Isaac finished blessing him, and Jacob had scarcely left his father’s presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting. He too prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him, “My father, please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn, Esau.” Isaac trembled violently and said, “Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed he will be blessed!”

When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father!” But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob[a]? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?” Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. His father Isaac answered him, “Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the ayd you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.” Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Your brother Esau is planning to avenge himself by killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides. When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I’ll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.”

That you again for all of your prayers and love which you have given me these last several weeks

I am going to re-post where I had left off the day I started getting sick back in December . The 1st post will be a recording of Genesis 27, then a message I have written that relates to this chapter will follow . My goal is to do one chapter of the bible per post. I plan on adding 1-2 chapters a week on this thread until i complete the entire bible. Hope to have all of you here with me every chapter of the bible! I love you!

It is good to be back! I still have some pain but I can exercise and live my lifestyle without unbearable pain, or need to take any medicine! Thank you God for all of your help!

By now most people who are active on this team know that I have been sick with one thing or another since December 5th of last year. I am slowly but surly recovering from my gallbladder surgery. I want to thank all of you who have prayed ,sent me prayerful emails, left comments on my page, and have given me goodies. I want to thank Janis and Kathy for the beautiful cards which you have sent me!

I love this team so much and it has been extremely hard to be away from you all. I have been hoping that i would have been able to start up my, Listen to the bible thread by now which I stopped doing back in December because I became so sick with (at first a very bad cold). I think by the end of this week or the beginning of next week I will be able to starting doing the bible thread again.

Thanks to my other team leader Missy for helping me lead this team while I have been gone. You have been doing an excellent job!!!

I love and you all

written on Thanks so much for your replies. I am so happy and grateful, and excited to feel back to my normal healthy self! Later this afternoon I am going to be able to do something for an adult mentally challenged man that I am an advocate for. It will be so to see him, although he calls me a lot so we have been talking.

I just thank and praise God for helping me as He always does. It has not been easy but as I stayed within His word, and put God in the focus of my pain I was able to get through the toughest hardest hours of pain which the medicine was not easing. It is through God during times of your life that God gives you the strength to endure as you are suffering through much pain. It is very important to heart fully praise God during these times. I humbly share with you that I have been able to praise God a few times when I was able to go to church these last two months. I told people that I had talked to that God had already healed me through my spirit, I just had to walk it out, that His healing would manifest within my body within His time. People were effected by my words... you know, you could see it in their faces. But God is to be glorified through me sharing this with you, not ME at all! Everything is through God and about God.

So I encourage you no matter what you are going through thank God for your circumstances even though it IS painful. Ask him some simple questions and wait for Him to answer you. He WILL if you believe and wait for Him. He will tell you through a friend, a song, an animal, a Pastor (or some other church figure) a movie....I mean God will use any one and anything to talk to you. So be alert and pray, and listen… and I encourage you to ask God these questions:

QUESTIONS TO ASK GOD WHILE GOING THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES:

1). How can I glorify you through this?

2) What to you want me to learn spiritually through this?

3) God how can I honor you through this.

4) How can I grow closer to you through this?

There are other questions you can ask God to which will enrich your circumstance. Don't ever waste your pain, stress or circumstances always use to bring glory to god through it. I will tell you by asking these questions, by reading the bible, and keeping God the center of it all you will lead people closer to God. Ad you just might also bring an unbeliever to god. It is not necessary our powerful words about God, nor our preaching of God, or shoving a bible down someone’s threat that will lead a person to God bring him in closer, rather it is our ACTIONS that they we in us. It is our wards that we speak, such as I prayers and although nothing has changed yet I KNOW God is helping me. I am in so much pain, but God has giving me His grace. My friend such witness to God such action, they touch a person’s spirit, and god works in the rest!

Love you all and soooo glad to be back. I still have some pain, I am pacing myself but my spirit is soaring!!!

Hi Wendy! Don't know if I'm doing this right, but I'm trying. I love this "Listening to the Bible" priviledge, for lack of another name. But what Shelly has done has made it a priviledge to me. I am getting caught up. I'm on either 19 or 20 in Genesis. And if I check back I'll lose this place. I'm learning how to navigate within Spark. Have a wonderful day, Wendy! Kathy

That's right Shelly. Please listen to my bossy Sister. We both love you very much and want you to get alot of R & R. Get plenty of rest. We will all be here when you are feeling better. May God bless you in your recovery. Love you very much, Janis

Nothing Is Impossible with God. Each Day Is A New Beginning. When You Draw Close To God, God Will Draw Close To You.

Spark People Team Leader, GLITTERGIRL, from Team, "I Can't Do This On My Own", helped me reach my goal in 2012. I was able to maintain my weight for several months, but now I have to get serious again as much of my hard work I let go of, putting my focus on another issue. I will keep on, until I get back to my goal.

Shelly, I am so sorry that you are still sick. Gosh you've been ill for some time or so it seems to me. Do you rest a lot? That is important, you know. You HAVE to get lots of rest and nothing will disappear on you. It'll all be there when you're all well and ready. I'm like a bossy Mama right now. God bless you! Love, Kathy

I'm so sorry to hear that you are still sick, Shelly. I hope each day finds you feeling better. I wish you a God Speed Recovery My love & prayers are with you always, Janis

Nothing Is Impossible with God. Each Day Is A New Beginning. When You Draw Close To God, God Will Draw Close To You.

Spark People Team Leader, GLITTERGIRL, from Team, "I Can't Do This On My Own", helped me reach my goal in 2012. I was able to maintain my weight for several months, but now I have to get serious again as much of my hard work I let go of, putting my focus on another issue. I will keep on, until I get back to my goal.

Janis, and Kathy how blessed I am to have you both as nay dear friends. Thank you for all of your messages. I am still very ill. I will be retuning to the doctor. I wrote an update on a post re. my current condition I will post it here:

everyone for your prayers. I know prayers have been said for me from other members who have not replied, I thank those of you who have prayed, yet not replied as well.

I have gone to see my doctor and have taken antibiotics on December11th. I think I have an upper respitory infection. I will be calling my doctor again today to be seen again.

I feel very badly that I have not been here for you, although I know that my team members know how dedicated I am and also know that you understand. I love you all!

Although I have been very sick the holy Spirit resides inside of me and is taking good care of me! I have very much been enjoy this Christmas season regardless of being ill. He shines through me and holds me while lifting my spirit up. I am sp grateful of my relationship with jesus and all the things which He does for me!

Please continue to keep me in your prayers. It is hard for me to be away from this team, and not do my part as a team leader. Also, I need to get completely well so that I can continue to teach Sunday school for my dear students. My throat is still sore, and my voice.. well lets just say it is not back completely, and sometimes I can't talk!

I'm so happy too that we have this awesome way of going through the Bible, chapter by chapter. I love it that it is read to us! I hope that you are feeling much, much better GLITTERGIRL! You radiate so much beauty to our lives with your journey you have "day by day" with our Lord.

Wishing you a God Speed Recovery, Janis

Nothing Is Impossible with God. Each Day Is A New Beginning. When You Draw Close To God, God Will Draw Close To You.

Spark People Team Leader, GLITTERGIRL, from Team, "I Can't Do This On My Own", helped me reach my goal in 2012. I was able to maintain my weight for several months, but now I have to get serious again as much of my hard work I let go of, putting my focus on another issue. I will keep on, until I get back to my goal.

I have been extremely sick since last Thursday (December 6th). I am just now feeling well enough to get on the computer. I am very sorry. Each December I post things all about God on various threads. This year I am really behind due to being so sick. I had a respitory infection, a cough, sore throat, and the flu! I could barely talk for three days and then lost my voice completely for another three days. I am just now starting to feel better but even now I still am not completely well.

However God has been so good to me, and I thank Him. I received antibiotics earlier than I otherwise would have. Kinda a long story, and my eyes are starting to hurt due to the glare on the computer. Need to get off before i am in pain.

Just wanted to let you know, I would never be away from this team this long unless I am very sick. I will write more when I can.

Thank you SO SO SO much for taking an interest in my walk with the Lord. I love your idea about the "fruits". I'm not so sure how I will integrate each one, one at a time, but "practice makes perfect". And that is my plan. Again, thank you for this awesome study of the Bible. God bless you! Kathy

I hope you're feeling better this evening, Shelly. I have decided that I will go back and do he Bible from the beginning. Two reasons, maybe three. I am sort of a newbie at Bible Study. You told me about it at the very beginning and I chose then not to do it. And thirdly God is saying to me, "Surely you want to study my word more!"

SparkPeople, SparkCoach, SparkPages, SparkPoints, SparkDiet, SparkAmerica, SparkRecipes, DailySpark, and other marks are trademarks of SparkPeople, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SPARKPEOPLE is a registered trademark of SparkPeople, Inc. in the United States, European Union, Canada, and Australia. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy last updated on October 25, 2013